Stephen Mulhern’s New Chapter: From Comfort Zone to South Korea Adventure

Introduction: A Beloved Presenter Steps Into the Unknown

Stephen Mulhern has been a fixture of British television for nearly 25 years, charming audiences with his magic tricks and hosting popular shows like Deal or No Deal, Catchphrase, and Dancing on Ice. However, Accidental Tourist is set to begin on ITV, with Stephen Mulhern going to broaden his horizons in South Korea. This marks a significant departure for the 48-year-old presenter, who has built a career on entertaining families but has remained remarkably private about his personal struggles and fears.

Breaking Out of the Comfort Zone

The 48-year-old presenter confesses to a life governed by fear and rigid routine, with holidays always to Florida or Portugal and a profound fear of new foods and experiences. Ant and Dec have decided to send their good friend to South Korea to broaden his horizons, orchestrating a transformative journey that pushes him far beyond familiar territory.

He confronts Korea’s mukbang culture, facing plates of raw seafood including the infamous ‘penis fish’ sea worm, admitting “I’ve never had a prawn”. The experience becomes deeply emotional, with Stephen becoming choked with emotion, confessing: “My dad had just passed away, so that’s the only thing. I’m gutted that he didn’t see it.”

Career Developments and New Directions

While Mulhern embarks on this personal journey, his professional life continues to evolve. Stephen Mulhern’s £1 million Butlin’s magic show has come to an end, with the 48-year-old TV personality not returning next summer in order to “explore new opportunities”. Butlin’s celebrated Stephen Mulhern’s extraordinary milestone of entertaining over one million Butlin’s guests during an incredible three years of headline shows.

Despite these changes, he will continue with a number of other projects, including Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, a new series of You Bet, and a forthcoming ITV travel show titled The Accidental Tourist. Mulhern co-hosted Dancing on Ice from Series 16 in January 2024 to its cancellation at the end of Series 17 in March 2025.

Conclusion: A Transformative Journey

Surfacing gasping and weeping after confronting his fear of the sea, he declares, “I’ve never felt so happy or tired in my life… I’ve changed,” later describing it as his first true experience of anxiety and a major turning point. Stephen Mulhern’s willingness to confront his deepest fears on camera represents not only compelling television but also a genuine moment of personal growth for one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers. As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, audiences can expect to see a more vulnerable and authentic side to the presenter they’ve known for decades.